Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Lakeview eyewear store "devastated" by burglars

Burglars broke into Joanna Slusky’s optometry office in Lakeview early Monday, escaping with over 100 high-end frames as well as a computer and iPads, she said. Now, she’s hopeful that someone will recognize the men who shattered a window and “devastated” her office in just 35 seconds.

Police responded to Halsted Eye Boutique, 2852 North Halsted, around 8:15 on Monday morning after Slusky discovered the break-in.

“My heart shattered,” when she discovered the burglary, she said on Facebook. Video surveillance shows the burglars made entry just before 5:30 a.m.

Once inside, the thieves ripped apart display cabinets, collected 150 pairs of name-brand frames, and took three iPads along with a laptop, Slusky said.

“If you recognize the intruders or come across anyone offering to sell you Dita, Tom Ford, Christian Roth, Thom Browne, or John Varvatos [eyewear] and they’re NOT a licensed retailer,” Slusky said, “please contact police.”

Photos posted to Facebook show a boulder lying in the middle of the office. It was apparently used to smash through one of the store’s large windows. In another photo, wall displays are stripped of frames.

Anyone who recognizes the thieves or has other information is asked to call Chicago Police Detective Salvage at 312-744-8266 or to submit a tip anonymously at www.CPDTIP.com